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TAR UMT · Ireland Progression 2025

Less Time. Less Money. Real Irish Degree.

Holders of a TAR UMT diploma can apply to skip ahead into an Irish Honours degree programme at Year 2 or Year 3. Spend just 1 to 2 years in Ireland and graduate with a full, internationally recognised Irish degree.

TAR UMT Diploma Required Year 2 or Year 3 Entry 19 Pathways Available Scholarships up to €7,500 5 Irish Universities

The TAR UMT to Ireland pathway allows holders of a TAR UMT diploma to apply for advanced entry into Year 2 or Year 3 of an Irish Honours degree programme. Five Irish universities participate: TUS, Griffith College, SETU, ATU, and TU Dublin, offering 19 diploma-to-degree routes across seven faculties. Graduates receive a full Irish Honours degree (NFQ Level 8) and qualify for Ireland's Stamp 1G post-study work visa, which grants one year of open work permission for bachelor's degree holders.

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About This Pathway

Complete an Irish Honours Degree in 1 to 2 Years

TAR UMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology) has established formal articulation agreements with five leading Irish universities, spanning seven faculties and 19 diploma-to-degree routes.

Your TAR UMT diploma is recognised as equivalent to the first one or two years of an Irish degree. You only need to complete the remaining years at the Irish institution to graduate with a full Level 8 Irish Honours degree.

Globally Recognised Irish Degree

Irish Honours degrees (Level 8 QQI/NFQ) are widely recognised by employers and postgraduate programmes worldwide.

Save Time and Money

Instead of starting from Year 1 in Ireland, you enter at an advanced year and complete your degree sooner with lower overall overseas tuition costs.

Scholarship Support Available

Most partner universities offer merit scholarships ranging from €3,000 up to €7,500 for incoming progression students.

At a Glance
19
Diploma-to-degree routes across 7 faculties.
5
Irish partner universities: TUS, Griffith College, SETU, ATU and TU Dublin.
1–2
Years required in Ireland to complete a full Honours degree.
€7.5k
Maximum scholarship available for qualifying students at Griffith College.
Still in High School?

Thinking about what to do after SPM? TAR UMT + Ireland might be your smartest move.

A lot of students don't realise this — doing a TAR UMT diploma isn't just a local option. It can be your shortcut to getting a real overseas degree without spending years and years abroad. Finish your diploma here in Malaysia first, then head to Ireland for just 1 to 2 years to complete a full Irish Honours degree.

You spend less money compared to going overseas straight after SPM, less time away from home, and you still graduate with an internationally recognised degree — one that opens doors to work in Ireland, Europe, and beyond. If you're in Form 4 or below and still deciding your path, this is worth looking into early.

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How It Works

A Simple Three-Step Journey

Your TAR UMT diploma is your foundation. Once you hold it, Mystudy guides you through the rest.

1
Step 1 · Malaysia
Complete Your TAR UMT Diploma
2 years at TAR UMT across any of the 7 eligible faculties.
2 Years in Malaysia
2
Step 2 · Application
Apply for Advanced Entry
Mystudy matches your diploma to the right Irish university and handles your application.
Free · No Commitment
3
Step 3 · Ireland
Graduate with an Irish Honours Degree
Enter at Year 2 or Year 3 and complete your Level 8 Irish degree in just 1 to 2 years.
1–2 Years in Ireland
Irish University Partners
TUS
Technological University of Shannon
Athlone & Limerick campuses
GC
Griffith College
Dublin
SETU
SouthEast Technological University
Waterford
ATU
Atlantic Technology University
Donegal
TUD
Technological University Dublin
Dublin

Browse Diploma-to-Degree Routes

Filter by your faculty to find the Irish degree your TAR UMT diploma qualifies for.

Business & Finance
Diploma in Accounting
ATU Galway
BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance
Year 3 of 3 entry €12,000 / yr €3,000 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in Accounting
Griffith College
BA (Hons) in Accounting & Finance
Year 3 of 3 entry €13,500 / yr €3,000 – €4,500 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in Business Administration
Griffith College
BA (Hons) in Business Studies / Marketing / HRM
Year 2 of 3 entry €13,500 / yr €3,000 – €4,500 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in E-Marketing
SETU Waterford
BA (Hons) in Marketing & Digital Media
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in Marketing
SETU Waterford
BA (Hons) in Marketing & Digital Media
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Griffith College
BA (Hons) in Human Resources Management
Year 2 of 3 entry €13,500 / yr €3,000 – €4,500 scholarship
Business & Finance
Diploma in International Business
SETU Waterford
BA (Hons) in International Business
Year 4 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Applied Sciences
Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science
TUS Athlone
BSc (Hons) Sports Science with Exercise Physiology
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr €4,500 scholarship
Applied Sciences
Diploma in Food Science
ATU Donegal
BSc (Hons) Food Science & Nutrition
Year 3 of 4 entry €12,000 / yr €3,000 scholarship
Built Environment
Diploma in Quantity Surveying
TUS Limerick
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr €4,500 scholarship
Built Environment
Diploma in Quantity Surveying
SETU Waterford
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Built Environment
Diploma in Quantity Surveying
ATU Donegal
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Year 3 of 4 entry €12,000 / yr €3,000 scholarship
Built Environment
Diploma in Property Management / Diploma in Building
SETU Waterford
BSc (Hons) Construction Mgmt & Engineering
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Built Environment
Diploma in Building
SETU Waterford
BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Engineering & Technology
Diploma in Electronic Engineering
SETU Waterford
BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr €5,500 scholarship
Computing & IT
Diploma in Computer Science
Griffith College
BSc (Hons) in Computer Science
Year 3 of 4 entry €12,000 / yr up to €7,500 scholarship
Computing & IT
Diploma in Computer Science
TUS Athlone
BSc (Hons) in Software Design in Artificial Intelligence for Cloud Computing
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr up to €4,000 scholarship
Social Science & Hospitality
Diploma in Hotel Management
TU Dublin
BSc (Hons) in Hospitality Management
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr
Creative Industries
Diploma in Graphic Design
TUS Limerick
BA (Hons) Graphic Design Communication
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr €4,500 scholarship
Creative Industries
Diploma in Fashion Design
TUS Limerick
BA (Hons) Fashion Design
Year 3 of 4 entry €13,500 / yr €4,500 scholarship
Scholarships

Scholarship Support from Irish Universities

Most partner universities provide merit-based scholarships for incoming TAR UMT progression students. Exact amounts vary by university and result. Contact Mystudy for current eligibility requirements.

TUS (Athlone & Limerick)
Technological University of Shannon
€4,500
Fixed merit scholarship available for qualifying progression students across all TUS programmes.
Griffith College Dublin
Computing, Business & Accounting routes
up to €7,500
Tiered scholarship based on academic performance. Computer Science students can receive up to €7,500; Business and Accounting students up to €4,500.
SETU Waterford
SouthEast Technological University
up to €5,500
Up to €5,500 for Engineering; up to €4,000 for Built Environment and Business programmes.
ATU Donegal
Atlantic Technology University
€3,000
Fixed scholarship available for Food Science & Nutrition and Quantity Surveying programmes.
TU Dublin
Technological University Dublin
N/A
The Hospitality Management progression currently does not have a scholarship attached. Check with Mystudy for updated terms.
Not sure which applies to you?
Mystudy guidance is free
Book a free consultation and we will identify the exact scholarship you are eligible for based on your TAR UMT transcript.
Frequently Asked Questions

TAR UMT to Ireland Pathway

What happens if I do not find a job during my Stamp 1G year?

The Stamp 1G grants one year of open work permission after a bachelor's degree. During that year you can work in any field and for any employer without a separate work permit. If your year ends without a qualifying role, you would need to secure a different visa or return home. Most graduates in high-demand fields (IT, pharma, finance) find employment well within the year, especially outside Dublin where competition is lower.

Will I need to repeat subjects I already passed at TAR UMT?

No. The pathway is structured so that your TAR UMT diploma credits map to specific entry points at each Irish university. You enter at Year 2, Year 3, or Year 4 depending on your diploma and programme, meaning you only study modules you have not already covered. This is what makes the route faster than starting a degree from scratch.

Is Ireland affordable for Malaysian students?

Ireland is more affordable than most students expect, especially outside Dublin. Cities like Athlone (TUS), Waterford (SETU), Limerick (TUS), and Galway (ATU) have noticeably lower rent and living costs than the capital. A student in Athlone or Waterford can expect to spend significantly less on accommodation than one in Dublin, while still earning the same degree. Combined with part-time work rights (up to 20 hours per week during term) and scholarships of up to EUR 7,500, many Malaysian students find Ireland financially manageable.

Can I stay in Ireland permanently after graduation?

There is a realistic path. After your Stamp 1G year, if you secure a qualifying trainee contract your employer can apply for a Stamp 1A visa (up to 3.5 years). After five years of legal residence in Ireland, you become eligible to apply for Irish citizenship. The route takes commitment, but it is well-trodden by international graduates.

How do I find accommodation in Ireland?

Most partner universities offer on-campus or purpose-built student accommodation with priority for international students. For off-campus housing, platforms like Daft.ie and university housing offices are the main resources. Mystudy provides accommodation guidance as part of our free pre-departure support, including what to expect for deposits and lease terms. Book a free consultation to get started.

Ready to Take Your TAR UMT Diploma to Ireland?

Mystudy handles the entire application process at no cost to you. Tell us your diploma and we will identify your best-fit Irish university, scholarship eligibility and application deadlines.